Money Transfer

In assisting indigent U.S. citizens, the consular officer acts as an intermediary to help the citizen locate a private source of funds (family members, friends, employers, etc.) and to show how the funds may be transferred to Costa Rica. 

The U.S. consular officer has no funds available for welfare services because the U.S. Congress does not provide funds to give or loan to U.S. citizens in need except in limited cases where the U.S. citizen agrees to be repatriated to the U.S. and signs a promissory note agreeing to repay the loan to the U.S. Government.

The Consular Section can assist U.S. citizens who are temporarily destitute abroad due to robbery or other unforeseen circumstances. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a number of alternatives available. 

Contacting Home: When U.S. citizens are stranded in another country, they may communicate with the American Citizen Services Unit for assistance in contacting their family, friends or employer in the United States for financial help.

Wiring Money Directly: You or your family, friends, or associates may be able to contact Western Union to wire money directly to the U.S. citizen abroad.

Your Credit Card Company: Another alternative is to contact your credit card company which may be able to advance you funds temporarily. If your credit card was lost or stolen, report this immediately to your credit card company. They may also be able to verify your credit card directly to your hotel or airline to enable you to checkout of your hotel, obtain replacement airline tickets, or other emergency services.

Bank to Bank Transfers: It may also be possible to transfer funds directly from a bank in the United States to a bank in the foreign country where the U.S. citizen can receive the funds. Many foreign banks require that the U.S. citizen establish a foreign bank account to use this service. Bank to bank transfers can take several days to accomplish.

Send Money Through the U.S. Department of State: Family or friends may send funds to you through the U.S. Embassy using the Department of State Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) Trust process: Learn About Sending Money Overseas to U.S. Citizen in an Emergency. A fee of $30.00 is charged for setting up and maintaining a trust account for one year or less to transfer funds to or for the benefit of an American in need in a foreign country. See the U.S. Department of State Schedule of Fees, 22 CFR 22.1, item No. 66.

If family and friends are unable to provide assistance, are there other services available? 
U.S. citizens destitute in Costa Rica and in need of help should contact the American Citizen Services Unit for information about other assistance available to eligible persons.

more Information… 

If you have any questions, please contact us at: consularsanjose@state.gov 

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